How To Choose a Pendant Light

Written by: Erica Spangler

Use this pendant lighting buying guide to help you find the perfect design choice for your space. From sizing tips to the latest pendant trends, let us know if you have any other pendant lighting questions.

Pendant Sizing and Proper Placement Tips

Use these tips to help you make sure your pendants will illuminate your space well and look balanced.

Choosing a Large Pendant

Proper Pendant Length

Ceiling to Kitchen Counter

The pendant should be between 30 inches and 40 inches above your kitchen counter tops. Pendants over a kitchen counter look great lower because they can also serve as a focal point for the kitchen. Typically, kitchen lighting is the one home decor piece you can easily show off.

Ceiling to Dining Table

The pendant should be between 30 inches and 36 inches above your table's surface.

Ceiling to Game Table

The pendant should be between 32 inches and 36 inches above your table's surface.

Proper Pendant Spacing

NOTE: A good rule to follow is take the length of the table you want to hang a pendant over and divide the length by 16. If the number is not a whole number, then round up (3.75 to 4).

One Pendant Over Table

Directly center the pendant over the middle of the table.

Two or More Pendants Over Table

Make sure that the pendant bulbs are about 16 inches apart center to center.

Pendant Lighting Style

These are the common pendant types that have maintained popularity over time.

Linear

Defined by more than one pendant in a linear line

Larger in size

Great for over a table or island

These offer superb task lighting with the direct lighting it emits. If you are intimidated by track lighting, this is a great substitute and easier to install.

Bowl

Defined by the bowl shape

Larger in size

Substitute for chandeliers or ceiling lights

Since most bowl shaped pendants direct light upward, this provides a softer and more ambient lighting experience. For a less bold statement than a chandelier and more intricate light than a ceiling light, bowl pendants illuminate dining room tables and foyers well.

Down Lighting

Light casts downward

Creates a direct light

Great for accent and task lighting

Down lit pendants direct light onto a counter, table or the floor to create a dramatic and modern feel. Pairing several together offers a great way to light a kitchen or hallway from more traditional light fixtures, such as island lighting or chandeliers.

Track Pendants

How much light do you need?

Room Size: sq. ft.

Suggested Total Wattage*

* Suggested Total Wattage is recommended at 1.5 times the square footage of your room, for general illumination. Total wattage is based on number of bulbs. For example, an 8-light chandelier with 40-watt bulbs would be 320 total watts.

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×Shipping Rates & Methods

The cost to ship items varies by item, shipment and shipping option.

Free Ground Shipping on Orders Over $49 *

Standard ground shipping transit time is 5-7 business days.

Free Freight Shipping on Orders Over $1500 *

Curb side delivery (also called freight or "LTL" shipping) is reserved for large, heavy, or oversized items like chandeliers, bathtubs, shower doors, etc. Items are palletized and loaded onto a large truck for shipment, and delivered to your curb by scheduled appointment. Transit time is 7-10 business days.

* For exact shipping costs, add the product(s) to your cart and enter your zip code. All offers pertain to the lower 48 states and do not include deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii or Canada.